Residues of some heavy metals in freshwater fish [Oreochromis niloticus and Labeo niloticus] in Assiut city markets

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the residues of lead [Pb] cadmium [Cd] and mercury [Hg] in the muscles of the freshwater fish, 40 random samples [20 from Oreochromis niloticus and [20 from Labeo niloticul] were used and collected from different markets In Assiut City, Egypt. They were analyzed by using Ph meter Orion 920 research electrode. The results revealed that levels of Pb, Cd and Hg in the Oreochromis niloticus samples were 0.125 [0.046-1.126], 0.976 [0.198-1.938] ppm and 4.875 [3.686-7.220] micro g/kg, respectively. While the concentration of Pb, Cd and Hg were 0.119 [0.021-0.721], 0.621 [0.379-1.032] ppm and 4.039 [3.687. 5.620] micro g/kg. In the Laheo niloticus sample respectively. The results of this study indicate that the Pb, Cd concentrations in all examined samples were lowed than the Egyptian Organization of Standardizatian and Quality Control [EOSQC, 1993]. The consumption of these contaminated fish regularly even in a small amounts for long time may lead to health troubles. Public health importance and the hazardous toxic effects of the examined heavy metals as well as the suggestive recommendation to reduce or control the sources of pollution to the fresh water fish with these metals were discussed